Blessing Box supporter seeking volunteers in Joliet area

A Limestone Township resident is transforming old newspaper boxes into receptacles to bless those in need.

And she's seeking locations and volunteers in the Joliet area to further the reach.

Taking her cue from the Little Free Library and micro food pantry movements, Kelly Kenison, a former single mom, is filling these boxes with non-perishable items and personal care products people and families on limited incomes often so desperately need.

Kenison, who has volunteered at homeless shelters, said even the elderly on fixed incomes, once they've paid for medication, might not have enough money left for basic toiletries.

She had the idea for transforming these old newspaper boxes when saw a similar one during a drive to Michigan to visit her son. She found the concept amazing and recalled the days of struggling financially when she was a single mom.

"It's hard," Kenison said. "You don't want to ask for help. People are judgmental. I wanted to make it make it easy and accessible."

Between digging into her own pocket and donations from others, Kenison said she has filled boxes with shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, laundry soap, clean socks, hooded sweatshirts, school supplies, pencils, white T-shirts and sanitary products.

She's also added granola bars, canned foods, underwear, socks, body wash and gloves. Kenison said she buys most of the items on sale or at dollar stores.

Kenison has filled eight boxes so far. Most are in the Kankakee area, but one is in Peotone and another is in Manteno, Kenison said. People are now messaging her for information on starting their own blessing boxes.

"I had a teacher in Bloomington reach out," Kenison said.

Another kindergarten teacher turned it into a project for her students, she said.

"She had the kids paint and decorate it," Kenison said. "They're learning about giving back to their community."

Ideally, Kenison would like to guide people through the process and have them shepherd their own boxes. She would love to see blessing boxes in every community.

For information, visit Blessing Box Illinois on Facebook or email Kenison at blessingboxillinois@yahoo.com.